Chapter 8
He staggered up to the study on the second floor.
Seeing the open safe, his heart once again plummeted.
Inside, along with the photos and items, was a new note:
[Ginger Franklin, may we never meet again, in this life or any other.]
He clutched the note tightly, tears streaming down his face as he convulsed, gasping for breath.
In the center of the study was their wedding photo.
1/8
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
His index and middle fingers were crossed, a silent plea for forgiveness.
From beginning to end, it had all been lies, deceit, and hurt.
His guilt reached its peak.
From his pocket, he took out a sapphire brooch.
It was from an auction he had attended.
Nina had once told him she liked it, but he had said she didn’t suit blue and instead bought her a pink one.
Pink was Sophie Mitchell’s favorite, not Nina’s.
Later, almost inexplicably, he bought the sapphire brooch again, planning to give it to
2/8
Chapter 8 8
+ 5 Points
her on their wedditing anniversary.
After all, with Sophie Mitchell pregnant with Josh Walton’s child,cheeaddonger needed to do anything.g
He had intended to focus somNina, to give her only what she truly wantedd.
“Nina, please, don’t be so cruelelGGivenne another chance. I love you, Nitaal dove you. I’ll find you, I swear.”
Ginger Franklin had Nina Davis’s receent movements investigated.
He knew she was aware of the entire truthh.
It was only then that he truly believed Ninaa Davis wanted a divorce.
3/88
Chapter 8r 8
+ 5 Points
Consumed bybujand longing, he mobilize all his rescese to find her.
Once he discoverede lenee teaching location, h rushed there without utedelay.
T The place were remote tanah the conditions rurudimentary. The moment tehesawiNina D Davis, his eyes misted ovever.
H He couldn’t imagine how NinarDaDavis, whom hehe had sheltered like a delicate fecflower for yeyears, had managed to endure adhere.
H&He stood at the classroom doorowavatohing henere once always in designer clothesesnanow dresessed in simple jeans and a beige to pop, teacaching at the podium.
Below were were pairs of bright, clear eyeses.
4/8
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
He didn’t make a sound, just watched Nina Davis.
Her once–porcelain skin had darkened, and her hair was tied back simply, yet she looked more radiant than ever.
When the class ended and their eyes met, he awkwardly wiped his palms, his voice hoarse as he called out, “Nina.”
The children passed by one by one, each politely calling her “Miss Davis“.
In the office, I sat on the chair, my heart still unsettled.
How did this man find me here?
Calling this place an office was generous; it was really just a shabby room with windows that needed to be covered with newspaper.
5/8
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
Ginger Franklin looked around, his voice trembling as he began, “Nina, I’ve missed you so much, I..”
But before he could finish, lunchtime arrived.
The school had a half–hour meal break, and I didn’t want to hold anyone up, so I cut him off and went to eat.
The food here was simple, even the meat dish was just minced meat stewed with wax gourd, but I found it more satisfying than anything I’d eaten before.
There was a sense of groundedness here that I’d never felt elsewhere.
Across from me, Ginger Franklin watched me with a gaze full of pity and heartache.
6/8
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
He barely touched his food after one bite.
I was annoyed but didn’t say anything.
I didn’t want to deal with him, but he wouldn’t leave. Eventually, the principal stepped in and found him an empty classroom to stay in.
For the next half month, he followed me everywhere.
He said that just being able to see me was the happiest thing in the world.
Finally, exasperated, I agreed to have a proper talk with him.
It had just rained, and I was accustomed to wearing my rubber boots as we walked along the muddy path.
7/8
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
“What do you think we have left to talk about?”
I was fed up with his overly sentimental act and stopped in my tracks. It was the first complete sentence I’d spoken to him in those two weeks.
Ginger Franklin’s expression was complicated, his eyes filled with guilt.
He had lost a significant amount of weight in just half a month.
The clothes that fit him well when he arrived now hung loosely on his frame.
With a thud, he dropped to his knees.
